Defence giant to take on 568 apprentices to reflect increase in UK workload

British defence giant BAE Systems has announced plans to take on a record 568 apprentices in 2014

The business is recruiting across 16 divisions at its UK aerospace, security and defence sites. The increased demand – its highest ever number of new apprentices – reflects the increase in its UK workload, the company said.

About 270 of the new recruits will work at the company’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, to help maintain the five remaining Astute class attack submarines; 94 will work on the military aircraft design and production sites in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire; and 17 at Brough in Yorkshire.

BAE Systems is also creating 62 places at its shipbuilding business on the Clyde.

BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme is regarded as one of the best in Britain. Half of all senior executives at BAE Systems’ military aircraft business joined as apprentices.